The Palestine Chronology

At Erez crossing, Arafat, Netanyahu hold their longest face-to-face mtg. to date to try to final issues preventing a Hebron deal. (IDF Radio, RMC 12/24 in WNC 12/27; NYT, WP, WT 12/25; CSM 12/27; MA 12/27 in WNC 12/30; JP 1/4)

In Hurghada, Egypt, Pres. Mubarak discusses PA-Israeli talks with Israeli DM Mordechai. (RE 12/24 in WNC 12/27; WT 12/25; JP 1/4)

Israel permits Islamic University of Hebron, which was closed in 3/96, to reopen within 2 days; lifts curfew on Hebron; reopens to Palestinian traffic a road in Gaza that runs by Netzarim settlement. (NYT 12/25; CSM, WT 12/27; JP 1/4) (see 11/24)

Iraqi oil M arrives in Turkey for 4-day visit to discuss boosting bilateral trade in light of the oil-for-food deal. (INA 12/24 in WNC 12/27; INA 12/26, 12/27 in WNC 12/30) (see 12/9)

In s. Lebanon, roadside bomb explodes, killing 2 mbrs. of the IDF's Egoz unit, wounding 2. Hizballah claims responsibility. In separate incident in s. Lebanon, a Lebanese child is wounded by IDF shelling. (ITV, QY, RL 12/24, ITV 12/25 in WNC 12/27; WP 12/25; WJW 1/23) (see 12/14)

Israeli, PA talks on Hebron resume for 1st time in 9 days. (ITV 12/16 in WNC 12/18; PR 12/20)

PA negotiator Erakat, Netanyahu adviser Molho meet briefly in Jerusalem to try to ease tensions that have built up since Israel's 12/13 decision to restore settler benefits. (CSM, WP, WT 12/17) (see 12/5)

Pres. Clinton criticizes Israel for planning to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, reinstating benefits to West Bank settlers. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/17; CSM, MM 12/18; WJW 12/19; IDF Radio, YA 12/19 in WNC 12/23; MEI 12/20; JP 12/28) (see 12/13)

IDF unseals Ramallah. (PR 12/20) (see 12/11)

In Washington, representatives of 29 nations (incl. Arab states, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Japan, the U.S.) pledge $3.2 b. toward the post-civil war reconstruction of Lebanon. The U.S. promises $20 m. over several yrs. (incl. $12 m. next yr. for education, environment). EU states pledge $1.5 b. (MM 12/16; RL 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MM, WP, WT 12/17; RL 12/17 in WNC 12/18; MM 12/18; al-Safir 12/18 in WNC 12/23; MEI 12/20; RL 12/23 in WNC 12/24; WJW 12/26; al-Safir 1/14 in WNC 1/17; CSM 1/15)

In Ankara, the 13th Iranian-Turkish joint economic commission session opens. (IRNA 12/16 in WNC 12/18, 12/19; MM 12/19)

ILMG meets at Naqura to consider a complaint by Israel regarding the launching of rockets into n. Israel 12/13. Although the Lebanese delegation does not believe katayushas actually were fired, the group concludes that at least 1 rocket, launched by an unknown party, landed in n. Israel. (RL 12/16 in WNC 12/17; RL 12/16 in WNC 12/18; RL 12/17 in WNC 12/19; MM 12/19; IGPO 12/26)

Israel says that, under a Hebron deal, PA policemen may operate in H2 as part of joint mobile units. (Hatzofe 12/10 in WNC 12/11)

Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`ashir begins 5-day trip to Tel Aviv, emphasizes Jordan's concern over Israeli settlement policy. (JT 12/10 in WNC 12/11; IDF Radio 12/11 in WNC 12/12; MEI 12/20)

The U.S. consul general says that Israel is threatening to revoke residency rights of Palestinian-Americans living in Jerusalem unless they give up their U.S. passports. The U.S. protests, says it knows of 60 cases when Israelis threatened Americans with the loss of their Jerusalem IDs. (WP 12/10; PR 12/20; JP 12/21)

Israel grants special entry permits to 120 Palestinian journalists accredited by the IGPO. (IGPO 12/10 in WNC 12/12)

PA allocates only $40,000 of the $70,000 necessary to stage the annual Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. (WT 12/11; WT 12/23; PR 12/20)

In Beirut, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Lebanese FM Buwayz. (RL 12/10 in WNC 12/11; MEI 1/24)

Iraq says it will give Turkey priority in exporting Iraqi oil now that the UN oil-for-food deal has been implemented. (INA 12/10 in WNC 12/11) (see 12/9)

ILMG continues discussions begun 12/9. (RMC 12/10 in WNC 12/11; RL 12/10 in WNC 12/12)

PA demands that Israel provide dates for further redeployment in the West Bank, release of Palestinian prisoners along with a Hebron protocol; open the central market and al-Shuhada street in Hebron; allow PA police in Hebron joint patrol units to carry same weapons as the IDF; eliminate the term "hot pursuit" fr. any Hebron deal. (IDF Radio 12/8 in WNC 12/10)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Mubarak on talks with Israel. (WT 12/7; RE 12/7 in WNC 12/10; PR 12/13)

In Gaza, Arafat briefs the Egyptian, Jordanian, PA delegations to the quadripartite refugee comm. on status of negotiations with Israel in preparation for full comm. mtg. 12/8. (PR 12/12)

Israeli police arrest Hebron settler leader Noam Arnon over a disturbance inside the Tomb of the Patriarchs/al-Ibrahimi Mosque. (NYT 12/10)

Jordan, Turkey begin discussing details of implementing their military agmt., signed a decade ago; focus on technical exchanges, joint training. (al-Ra'i 12/7 in WNC 12/10)

Roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 2. Hizballah takes responsibility. Subsequent Israeli shelling wounds 6 civilians, incl. 1 child. (RL 12/7, 12/8 in WNC 12/10; NYT, WP 12/8; MM 12/9, 12/13)

At weekly PC session, mbrs. threaten the executive with a no-confidence vote if it does not take firm action on behalf of prisoners, says the leadership is "not dealing seriously" with the prisoner issue in negotiations with Israel. (PR 12/13)

Responding to PM Netanyahu's 12/4 suggestion, Arafat says that he is willing to take part in a bilateral summit to finalize terms of an Israeli redeployment in Hebron. (WP 12/6)

Jordan, PA hold trade talks in Amman; discuss holding future trilateral economic mtgs. with Israel on provisions for Jordanian exports to/imports fr. the PA self-rule areas. (RJ 12/5 in WNC 12/9)

IDF says that 17 mos. ago, after 5 mos. of preparation, a special forces unit named Egoz began operating against Hizballah in s. Lebanon. To date Egoz mbrs., chosen fr. Golani Brigade recruits, have killed 16 Hizballah fighters or officials. 2 Egoz mbrs. have been killed. (MM 12/5; JP 12/14)

In New York, donors pledge $133 m. to the annual UNRWA pledging conference for regular programs, operations for 1997. (UNRWA press release 12/9; JT 12/13 in WNC 12/16)

Pres. Clinton nominates Amb. to the UN Albright for secy. of state, Sen. William S. Cohen (R-ME) for secy. of defense, National Security Adviser (NSA) Anthony Lake for CIA dir., Dep. NSA Samuel Berger for NSA. (ITV 12/5, MA 12/6 in WNC 12/9; MM, NYT, WP, WP 12/6; VIRI 12/6, RMC 12/7, al-Dustur 12/8 in WNC 12/10; MM 12/9; JT, RL 12/10 in WNC 12/11; WJW 12/12; MEI 12/20; WJW 12/26, 1/2)

PA announces it will make an official inquiry into Fityani's death in PA custody 12/3. (NYT 12/6; PR 12/13)

PM Netanyahu says that PA, Israeli teams have exhausted their work; he and Arafat should hold a summit to wrap up the long-stalled talks on Hebron. (ITV 12/4 in WNC 12/6; MM 12/5; WP 12/6)

Israel, PA agree to set up a hot line in order to improve communications btwn. the Israeli Internal Security Min., the PSF in case of emergency. (IDF Radio 12/4 in WNC 12/6)

The World Bank loans Lebanon $35.7 m. for rehabilitation of the health sector. (RL 12/4 in WNC 12/6)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir announces his resignation, will step down 1/1/97. (MM 12/4; JP 12/14)

After the U.S. hints that it may drop its preference for an African candidate and begin considering non-Africans, UN Secy. Gen. Butros-Ghali temporarily suspends his candidacy for a 2d term, allowing other nominations to be made. (WP 12/5; CSM, MEI, WT 12/6)

In Hebron, Palestinians clash with settlers, IDF. Several Palestinians are injured, 9 are arrested. (WT 12/1; ITV 12/1 in WNC 12/3; JP 12/7)

The Jordanian Interior Min. grants a license to operate to a new human rights organization, the Jordanian Human Rights Society, headed by Sulayman Suways. (al-Dustur 12/1 in WNC 12/3) (see 10/19)

Iraq sentences 4 Iraqis to death, 1 to life imprisonment for committing crimes against Jordanians. (al-Dustur 11/30 in WNC 12/3)     

IDF kills 2 Hizballah mbrs. in s. Lebanon. (ITV 11/30, RL 12/1 in WNC 12/3)

After Israeli jurists confirm that the existing Oslo agmts. give Israel overriding responsibility for security in the West Bank and Gaza that would permit the IDF to reenter any PA area, Israel drops its demand for written guarantees fr. the PA detailing IDF hot pursuit rights in Hebron, a key sticking point of the talks. (MM 11/27; IDF Radio 11/27 in WNC 11/29; MM 11/28; IDF Radio 11/28 in WNC 12/2; CSM, MM 11/29)

JT reports that the PLO is setting up a new "superministry" that will replace the Tunis-based Department of Returnees Affairs and will have headquarters in Gaza and offices in Amman, Gaza, West Bank to deal with issues concerning Palestinian refugees. The main objectives of the superministry, which will not be tied to any PA ministry, are political mobilization of the refugees; improvement of refugees' living conditions; establishment and further development of bilateral ties with Arab and non-Arab countries, the UNRWA, the Multilateral Working Group on Refugees. (JT 11/27 in WNC 12/2)

Netanyahu adviser Gold arrives in London for talks with the British FMin. on ways of advancing regional cooperation. (IDF Radio 11/27 in WNC 12/2; MM 11/29) (see 12/25)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir reports that border police routinely mistreat Palestinians, recommends that officers convicted of abuse be punished more harshly. (WT 11/28) (see 11/26)

Turkey announces that it has canceled its purchase of Cobra helicopters fr. the U.S., gives the U.S. no explanation. (ANATOLIA 11/27 in WNC 11/29)

Israel reinforces troops, equipment in s. Lebanon. Israeli naval vessels detain, search a German ship entering Tyre port. (RL 11/27 in WNC 11/29) (see 11/23)

The Lebanese government passes a law suspending the closure of all unlicensed media outlets, which was set for 11/30 (see 9/17). Under the law, unlicensed outlets may continue to broadcast apolitical news only until they are explicitly denied a license. (al-Nahar 11/28 in WNC 12/4)

At the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York, U.S. vetoes a 14-1 decision to reelect Secy. Gen. Butros Butros-Ghali to a 2d, 5-yr. term. This vote is expected to be the 1st in a series btwn. now and 1/97, when the final decision on the secy. gen. must be made. U.S. amb. to the UN Madeline Albright says the U.S. is prepared to use its veto indefinitely; if African nations want a secy. gen. fr. their continent, they should begin looking for another person. (MM 11/19; RE 11/19 in WNC 11/21; MM, WP, WT 11/20; RE 11/20, al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 11/21 in WNC 11/22; MM 11/21; al-Quds al-Arabi 11/21, al-Dustur 11/22 in WNC 11/25; NYT 11/22; RE 11/22 in WNC 11/26; WJW 12/5)

King Hussein says that the only way to break the logjam in current PA-Israeli talks is for Israel to fully implement its original agmts. with the Palestinians, says Jordan would support Palestinians in their quest for a an independent country. (WT 11/20)

Israel's mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert presents Housing M Meir Porush with a plan to build 2,200 housing units btwn. Pisgat Ze'ev and al-Za'im junction in a bid to link French Hill in East Jerusalem with Ma'ale Adumim. (IDF Radio 11/19 in WNC 11/20; CSM 1/9)

Some Jewish settler leaders say that they have received death threats fr. extremist settlers for suggesting that the shrine-like grave of Baruch Goldstein, who massacred 29 Arabs in Hebron 2/25/94, be dismantled. Goldstein's grave has become a pilgrimage site, with gardens, a fountain, and benches, where visitors meditate, read religious texts. (WT 11/20)

2 Israeli border policemen are arrested after Israeli television airs amateur videotape showing them beating Palestinian workers who were caught in Jerusalem without permits. Justice Min. says it is investigating another incident in which 3 border guards are accused of beating 8 Palestinians caught trying to cross into Israel nr. Qalqilya. (MM 11/19; CSM, WP, WT 11/20; WJW 1128; JP 11/30)

Palestinian human rights activist Iyad Sarraj says that Israel has refused to issue him a visa to attend a conference in Norway, saying he must stay in Gaza for security reasons. (WT 11/20)

German court sentences Palestinian woman to 12 yr. in jail for participation in 1977 hijacking of a Lufthansa airliner in Mallorca, Spain. She was arrested in 1994 in Oslo and extradited to Germany. (WP 11/20)

In Jarju', s. Lebanon, an Israeli shell filled with nails hits a residential home, causing damage but no injuries. (RL 11/21 in WNC 11/22)

Dore Gold, adviser to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, meets with Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas, PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbu to discuss a memorandum of understanding or pledges concerning aspects of Oslo II that have not been implemented that Netanyahu would extend to Arafat as part of a Hebron deal. (ITV 11/16 in WNC 11/29; JP 11/23)

Arafat adviser Abbas heads to Amman to brief King Hussein on talks with Israel. (JTV 11/16 in WNC 11/19)

Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz tells PM Rafiq Hariri that, after his mtg. with U.S. Amb. Richard Jones 11/15, he is pessimistic that Israeli negotiations with Syrian will resume soon. (RL 11/16 in WNC 11/19)

Hamas mbr. Muhammad Assaf is killed in an explosion in Qabatiyya, West Bank. Israel claims that a bomb that he was preparing for a suicide attack in Israel went off accidentally. Palestinian Security Forces (PSF) arrest 5 men with ties to Assaf. (NYT, WP, WT 11/17; ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/19, 1/29; JP 11/23)

PM Netanyahu cancels visit to the U.S. to personally take charge of Hebron negotiations; agrees to a PA demand that Israel include a written pledge to honor all agmts. with the PA with a Hebron agmt., if the PA upholds all of its agmts. (MM 11/13; IDF Radio, ITV 11/13, RJ, VOA 11/14 in WNC 11/15; MM, NYT, WP 11/14; MM 11/15; JP 11/23)

Israeli High Court rules that the Shin Bet may not use force while questioning Muhammad Hamdan, an Islamic Jihad mbr. arrested 10/24, to extract information about any planned anti-Israeli attacks. (WP 11/15; MM 11/18)

Hizballah attacks SLA post in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr. (RL 11/13 in WNC 11/14)

In Hebron, more than 8,000 Israelis march in support of Jewish settlers. IDF beats counterdemonstrators; bars Muslims fr. praying at al-Ibrahimi Mosque; arrests 8 Palestinian, 4 Israeli protesters. (RMC 11/9, ITV 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/10; MEI 11/22)

In Amman, Laith Shubailat, pres. of the Jordan Engineers association and a leading opponent of normalization with Israel, is granted amnesty, released fr. prison. Shubailat was arrested 12/9/95 on charges of sedition for his statements during a press conference and was given 3 yrs. in jail. (NYT 11/10; MM 11/12; MEI 11/22) (see 3/17)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shell hits IDF tank, killing 1 soldier, wounding 3. (ITV, RL 11/9, RL 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MM 11/11; WJW 11/14)

Pres. Clinton wins reelection. Republican majority grows in Senate (fr. 53 to 54). Democrats gain seats in House (fr. 197 to 205) but remain in minority (compared to 225 Republicans). (NYT, WP, WP 11/5; MM, WP 11/6; MM 11/7)

U.S. submits to Israel, PA a document proposing solutions to the remaining security-related disagreements on the Hebron arrangement. (ITV 11/5 in WNC 11/7)

In Naqura, ILMG discusses Lebanese complaint over IDF shelling 11/3 that wounded a Lebanese civilian. Syria, Lebanon demand that Israel allow 23 Lebanese civilians, who were recently deported fr. the self-declared security zone by the SLA, to return to their homes. Deportation issues are not technically under ILMG's mandate, but conferees agree that any issue of common interest may be discussed. (RL 11/5 in WNC 11/6; RL 11/7 in WNC 11/8) (see 10/18)

Palestinian home in Hebron is fire bombed, injuring 5 Palestinians, 1 critically. PA police suspect settlers. (MEI 11/8)

Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon unveils plans to build 2 new settlements that would double the number of Jewish settlers in the West Bank. (ITV 11/3 in WNC 11/5; MM 11/4; CSM, MM, WP, WT 11/5; PR 11/8; WP 11/19)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb and SLA convoy passes, killing 1 SLA mbr. In response, IDF shells highlands n. of Israeli occupied zone, wounding 1 civilian. Israel admits responsibility for mistakenly firing at a village. (RL, al-Ra'i 11/3 in WNC 11/5; WP 11/4; JP 11/16)

PA-Israeli talks on Hebron continue. Arafat reportedly demands that Netanyahu commit to completing IDF redeployment in the West Bank, opening Rafah airport. (MM 10/25; ITV 10/25 in WNC 10/29; WT 10/26; YA 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

Israel releases list of the 10 "most serious violations" of Oslo by the PA: PA police firing on IDF, ignoring bans on illegal weapons and disbanding independent militias, refusal to extradite individuals suspected of terrorism, incitement to violence against Israel, failure to change the PLO covenant, opening offices in Jerusalem, hiring "Palestinian terrorists" to serve in the PA police, exceeding the agreed upon number of PA police, injuring human rights and the rule of law, conducting diplomatic relations. (IGPO 10/25 in WNC 10/30; HA 10/28 in IL 10/28; PR 11/1; WJW 12/5)

French Pres. Chirac makes brief stops in Lebanon to meet with in Cairo before returning to Paris. (MM 10/25; RE, RL 10/25 in WNC 10/29; WT 10/27; MM 10/30)

Germany begins 2d mediation effort to settle the issue of Israeli pilot Ron Arad (downed over Lebanon in 1986 and believed to be held by Hizballah), Lebanese political prisoners in Israeli jails (incl. Dirani, Obeid). Germany's 1st mediation effort resulted in a prisoner swap 7/21. (RL 10/25, 10/26 in WNC 10/29; al-Safir 10/29 in WNC 11/4; MM 11/11) (see 9/25)

Hizballah detonates 4 roadside bombs in s. Lebanon, killing 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 5. (MM 10/25; QY 10/25 in IL 10/25; JP 11/2)

In Tel Aviv, Israeli, PA talks on civil authority in Hebron reportedly reach agmt. Later in the day, talks on Hebron security resume in Jerusalem. U.S. special envoy Ross thinks an agmt. can be reached within the next 2 wks. (RJ 10/22 in WNC 10/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; WJW 10/24)

French Pres. Chirac visits East Jerusalem. (MM 10/22; IDF Radio 10/22 in WNC 10/23; LCI 10/22 in WNC 10/25; NYT, WP, WT 10/23; CSM, MM 10/24; MEI 10/25; JP 11/2; MEI 11/8)

In Beirut, Lebanese, French officials negotiate aspects of a partnership agmt. that they hope to sign by the end of the year. Outstanding issues (agriculture, rights of institutions and serviced, immigration) must wait until new Lebanese government is formed. (RL 10/22 in WNC 10/24)

Nr. Ramallah, IDF shoots (live ammunition), kills Palestinian youth during antisettlement protest. Also in the West Bank, a Palestinian motorist is killed when his car is fired upon nr. Ofra settlement. (MM 10/22; LAWE 10/23)

YA reports that several Turkish air force crews recently participated in joint training, military exercises with the Israeli air force in the Negev. (YA 10/22 in IL 10/22)

Lebanon's Press Association Council complains that "newspapers are not exercising . . . self-censorship," are publishing topics banned under the new media law (see 9/17); orders newspapers to cease publishing direct interviews with Israeli officials. (al-Nahar 10/23 in WNC 10/24) (see 10/2)

Birri is reelected as Lebanon's parliamentary speaker. (RL 10/22 in WNC 10/24; WT 10/23)

After another day of talks on Hebron in Taba, PISMC adjourns for 2-day break. Israel says talks make progress on hot pursuit, buffer zone issues. (MM 10/18; HA, QY 10/18 in IL 10/18; RMC 10/18 in WNC 10/22; WT 10/19)

U.S. says that beginning 10/19 some 700 Iraqis linked to the CIA will be evacuated fr. n. Iraq with their families. They will be sent via Turkey to Guam. (WP 10/19) (see 9/12)

After 3 days of continuous talks, ILMG fails to reach decision on 10/12 attack, does not issue statement. Heads of delegations agree to submit reports to their respective FMs. (RL 10/18 in WNC 10/22) (see 10/17) (see 10/15)

In s. Lebanon, 2 SLA mbrs. are killed by roadside bomb. (MM 10/18)

After another day of talks on Hebron in Taba, PISMC adjourns for 2-day break. Israel says talks make progress on hot pursuit, buffer zone issues. (MM 10/18; HA, QY 10/18 in IL 10/18; RMC 10/18 in WNC 10/22; WT 10/19)

U.S. says that beginning 10/19 some 700 Iraqis linked to the CIA will be evacuated fr. n. Iraq with their families. They will be sent via Turkey to Guam. (WP 10/19) (see 9/12)

After 3 days of continuous talks, ILMG fails to reach decision on 10/12 attack, does not issue statement. Heads of delegations agree to submit reports to their respective FMs. (RL 10/18 in WNC 10/22) (see 10/17) (see 10/15)

In s. Lebanon, 2 SLA mbrs. are killed by roadside bomb. (MM 10/18)

PA-Israeli talks on Hebron continue in Taba. Progress is made on municipal issues, hot pursuit, but talks stick on Israel's demand to establish buffer zones btwn. H1, H2 areas. (MM 10/17; QY 10/17 in IL 10/17; IDF Radio 10/17 in WNC 10/19; RMC 10/17 in WNC 10/22; WT 10/18) (see 10/16)

PM Netanyahu appoints Tourism M Qatzav as M for Israeli Arab affairs, a position canceled under the Labor government. (MA 10/18 in IL 10/18; JP 10/26)

In Washington, Secy. of State Christopher tells Lebanese PM Hariri that the time is not right for the U.S. to lift its travel ban on Lebanon. (MM 10/18)

KDP threatens to ask for Iraqi military support if PUK continues to press its offensive around the city of Salahudin. Meanwhile in Washington, Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau holds talks with KDP officials. UN officials in n. Iraq say that Iran is aiding the PUK logistically, but KDP reports of 1,000s of Iranian troops fighting along PUK mbrs. is exaggerated. (WP, WT 10/18) (see 10/16)

As PA-Israeli subcomms. continue talks in Taba, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, denounces Israeli proposal for Hebron as "racist." The plan, similar to that proposed 10/7, calls for redefinition of H1 (Palestinian) and H2 (Israeli) zones, allowing Israel to retain civil control of the city, incl. zoning and planning control, which could be used to increase settlements in and around Hebron. (MM 10/16; IDF Radio, ITV, RE 10/16 in WNC 10/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 10/17; PR 10/18) (see 10/15)

In an unprecedented incident, Shin Bet says that it ordered IDF troops to appear without weapons when PM Netanyahu visited an army base last wk. because of rising distrust of Netanyahu within the military. Top army cmdrs. are upset at being left out of crucial security decisions. (MM 10/16; WT 10/17, 10/18; JP 10/26)

SLA cuts electricity to some villages in s. Lebanon after villagers ignore its announcement of conscription of local men btwn. the ages of 15 and 40 for a new camp nr. Bint Jubayl. (RL 10 16 in WNC 10/17; RL 10/17 in WNC 10/19)

King Hussein returns to Jericho with Arafat for his 1st visit to the West Bank since it was lost to Israel in 1967. (RJ 10/15, RE, RJ 10/16 in WNC 10/17; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; PR 10/18; MM 10/24; MEI 10/25; JP 10/26)

PISMC continues mtgs. in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, while an indirect dialogue is held btwn. Arafat, Netanyahu, mediated by U.S. special envoy Ross. Arafat proposes that the U.S. add a military contingent to the TIPH to ease Israel's security fears on Hebron. Israel rejects the idea. (HA, ITV, JP, YA 10/15 in WNC 10/17; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 10/16; HA, YA 10/16 in IL 10/16) (see 10/14)

35,000 Palestinian workers begin entering Israel. Internal closure on Nablus is lifted. (HA 10/16 in IL 10/16; PR 10/18) (see 10/10)

ILMG continues to discuss 10/12 Israeli shelling of a s. Lebanese village. Also in s. Lebanon, Lebanese woman steps on Israeli mine planted in olive grove to deter Hizballah attackers, is severely wounded. (RL 10/15 in WNC 10/17; WT 10/16) (see 10/14)

Lebanon publishes results of 1st census since 1932, showing a population of 3.1 m., lower than expected given 150,000 deaths during the 1975-90 civil war. The census took 2 yrs. to complete, does not incl. statistics on refugee camps. (WT 10/16)

Lebanese PM Hariri's government resigns to make way for new cabinet following recent national elections. (WT 10/16; MEI 10/25) (see 9/15)

PUK halts its advance outside Irbil, says it has no plans of trying to retake the city. (WP, WT 10/16) (see 8/31, 10/14)

Arafat, Netanyahu end 2-day summit in Washington without resolving their differences, agree to begin nonstop intensive negotiations at Erez 10/6 on disputed issues. (MM 10/2; al-Dustur [Amman], ITV, JTV 10/2, MA, RE 10/3 in WNC 10/4; CSM, MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 10/3; RE 10/3 in WNC 10/4; ITV, QPAR, al-Quds, al-Quds al-Arabi, VOA 10/3, al-Ra'i 10/4 in WNC 10/7; MM, WP 10/4; ITV 10/8 in WNC 10/11; PR 10/11; MEI 10/25)

Israeli, PA officers meet to discuss reopening Qarni crossing export of Palestinian goods into Israel. Israel demands that Palestinians at the checkpoint be unarmed. PA refuses. No agmt. is reached. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

Anticipating possible failure of Washington talks, IDF moves more troops and heavy weapons, incl. tanks, helicopters, sniper squads, to the outskirts of zone A areas. (YA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4; WP, WT 10/3; MA 10/4 in WNC 10/7)

In Hebron, IDF fires on Palestinian protesters, killing 1 boy, wounding 2 men. 4 other Palestinians are wounded during protest nr. Halhul. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3)

In Jerusalem, 50,000 Israelis march in support of Netanyahu. (WT 10/3)

Turkey's PM Necmettin Erbakan arrives in Cairo on 1st leg of 6-day regional tour. Meanwhile in Tripoli, Turkish, Libyan delegations begin talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on economic, industrial issues. (WT 10/2; JANA [Tripoli] 10/3 in WNC 10/4)

Turkey announces plans to increase its electricity purchases from Iran to 3 b. kw/h. (IRNA 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

Lebanon's Council of Ministers grants al-Manar Television, al-Nur Radio temporary exclusion fr. the new media law (see 9/17), allowing them to continue broadcasting news of the resistance. They will both still be banned fr. broadcasting other political news, programs as of 11/30. (RL 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

In s. Lebanon, 2 IDF officers are wounded in clash with Hizballah. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

PM Netanyahu arrives in London on 1st stop of 3-day EU tour to garner support for his hard-line attitude toward the peace process; meets with PM John Major. (MM 9/24; LPR 9/24 in WNC 9/27; MM, WP, WT 9/25)

Under heavy police guard, Israel undertakes a surprise predawn excavation to complete a long disputed archeological tunnel that runs along the al-Aqsa mosque compound. The 12-yr.-old project was completed only on the personal orders of PM Netanyahu, who intended it as a message to Palestinians that Israel is the sole sovereign in Jerusalem. PA denounces tunnel work, calls for general strike 9/25. During the day, Palestinians at the mosque clash with police, hurl stones at Jews at the Western Wall. Jordan's King Hussein is furious that Gold did not warn him of the tunnel opening in their mtg. 9/22. (MM 9/24; JTV, RJ 9/24 in WNC 9/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/25; WJW 10/3; MEI, PR 10/4; MM 10/9; WT 10/11)

In Hebron, IDF orders 6-mo. closure of 2 charity organizations allegedly linked to Hamas. Palestinians clash with IDF over reopening the central market (see 9/16). (HA 9/24 in IL 9/24; RMC 9/24 in WNC 9/27)

Following Israel's Yom Kippur holiday, ILMG reconvenes in Naqura to discuss complaints filed by Lebanon, Israel. (ITV, RL 9/24 in WNC 9/27; NYT, WT 9/25; JP 10/5) (see 9/22)

IDF, Amal clash in s. Lebanon, leaving 2 Amal mbrs. dead. (RL 9/24 in WNC 9/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 9/25; RL 9/25 in WNC 9/27; JP 10/5)

In London, Secy. of State Christopher meets with Israeli FM Levy to set agenda for PM Netanyahu's mtg. with Pres. Clinton 9/9; encourages Israel to quickly ease closure, redeploy troops in Hebron. (NYT, WT 9/9) (see 9/4)

In Salahudin, n. Iraq, 200 Iraqi Arabs connected to the CIA-supported Iraqi National Congress (INC) appeal to the U.S. for political asylum, after fleeing Irbil 8/31. They say about 100 other INC mbrs. were arrested, apparently executed by Iraqi secret police during the incursion. (WP 9/9, 9/10; MEI 9/20) (see 6/26, 9/5)

4th round of Lebanese elections is held in s. Lebanon district. Voters increasingly complain of election fraud, as progovernment candidates win by wide margins, while Christian, Hizballah opposition mbrs. lose. (RL 9/8 in WNC 9/10; CSM 9/10; RL 9/13 in WNC 9/17)

1st Netanyahu, Arafat mtg. is held at Erez. Netanyahu says he is prepared to negotiate a final peace, improve Palestinian economic conditions, allow 50,000 Palestinian workers into Israel (see 8/5). (MM 9/4; CSM, MM, WP, WT 9/5; VOA, YA 9/5 in WNC 9/6; al-Quds al-Arabi 9/5, RE 9/6 in WNC 9/9; MEI, MM, PR 9/6; JT 9/8 in WNC 9/10; MM 9/9, 9/10; PR 9/13; JP 9/14; MEI 9/20)

Arafat rejects new Hebron redeployment plan presented to the PA by Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon. The plan calls for expanding the area to be transferred to full PA control, decreasing the number of Palestinians left under Israeli control fr. 17,000 to 3,000; linking the Jewish enclave to the Tomb of the Patriarchs/ al-Ibrahimi mosque, Kiryat Arba settlement; erecting a wall btwn. the Arab, Jewish sections; permitting PA to increase police presence in Hebron within 6 mos. if security in the city is maintained. (YA 9/5 in WNC 9/6) (see 9/3)

Following Netanyahu-Arafat mtg., YESHA settlers' council holds emergency mtg.; announces it will no longer wait for permission fr. Netanyahu to undertake new housing construction in the West Bank, Gaza. (WP 9/6)

LAWE says there are currently some 320 Palestinian administrative detainees in Israeli prisons, 2/3 of whom were arrested after the Oslo II agmt. was signed 9/28/95. 1/4 are residents of area A, which is fully under PA control. (LAWE 9/4)

Iraqi air force twice challenge expanded no-fly zone in s. Iraq. U.S. responds by firing on a radar station. Pres. Clinton hints that there would be no further action against Iraq unless the U.S. senses a fresh provocation. (MM 9/4; CSM, WP, WT 9/5; JT 9/5 in WNC 9/6) (see 9/3)

In advance of the last 2 rounds of Lebanese elections (9/8, 9/15), Syria brokers election coalition agmt. btwn. Amal, Hizballah meant to increase the chances of success for Islamist candidates and undermine the alliance btwn. current speaker Birri, current PM Hariri. Syria does not want to excessively reduce the power of the Islamists, who experienced significant losses in the 8/18, 8/25, 9/1 rounds of voting. (MM 9/5; al-Nahar 9/13 in WNC 9/17; MEI 9/20)

In Paris, U.S. special envoy Ross, UN Coordinator Terje Larsen open 2 days of mediation aimed at scheduling a Netanyahu-Arafat mtg., reaching a firm timetable for Israeli redeployment in Hebron (see 8/22). Ross also meets with Netanyahu adviser Gold, Egypt's Baz. (MM 8/27; MA, YA 8/27 in WNC 8/30; MM 8/28; HA, QY 8/28 in IL 8/28; NYT, WP 8/29; WT 9/5; JP 9/7 WT 9/10)

Israeli police hoist bulldozer over Old City walls into East Jerusalem, demolish Palestinian building which they claim was being constructed without a permit. Israel says building was to be a social club for the PA. Palestinians say it was to be a clinic for the disabled, home for the elderly, funded by $30 m. fr. Canada, Sweden. (LAWE, MM 8/27; NYT, WT 8/28; MM, NYT, WP 8/29; MM 8/30; MEI, PR 9/6; PR 9/13)

Israel approves construction of new 1,806-unit neighborhood inside the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Sefer. 1st stage of construction will incl. 900 housing units and bring as many as 15,000 new settlers. (MA 8/27 in WNC 8/30; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 8/28; NYT, WP 8/29; PR 8/30; MEI 9/20)

PA released al-Damir Exec. Dir. Muhammad Dahman, who was arrested 8/12 on charges of fabricating a news story about the death in custody of Naher Dahlan 8/11. (PR 8/30)

In Beirut, U.S. Amb. to Lebanon Richard Jones, Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG) U.S. coordinator David Greenlee meet with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Birri to discuss Lebanon's assessment of the 1st ILMG sessions 8/8, 8/15. (RL 8/27 in WNC 8/29; RL 8/29 in WNC 9/3)

In Beirut, fmr. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Ja`Ja` is charged with killing PM Rashid Karami in 1987. (NYT 8/28) (see 7/13)

Delegation led by Iranian Trade M Yahya Al-e-Eshaq begins 3-day visit to Syria. (IRNA 8/28, 8/29 in WNC 9/3) (see 8/18)

In Izmir, Turkey, Iraq discuss developing trade, industrial cooperation. (INA [Baghdad] 8/27 in WNC 8/30) (see 8/22)

Israel's ministerial forum on Hebron reconvenes to discuss redeployment issue. (ITV 8/18; MM 8/19; IDF Radio, YA 8/19 in WNC 8/21) (see 8/15)

Hebron settler leaders hold mtg. to discuss how they will react if the government goes through with plans to redeploy. Kach mbrs. propose attacking Palestinians in the city after a pullback. (ITV 8/18 in WNC 10/3; YA 10/17 in WNC 10/22)

Israeli Interior M Eliyahu Suissa says his min. is working out a plan to be submitted to the government for approval that calls for expanding Jerusalem's area by annexing many settlements abutting it, incl. some that lie across the Green Line such as Ma'ale Adumim, Giv'at Ze'ev. (MM 8/19; MA, QY 8/19 in WNC 8/21)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, FM David Levy meet to resolve differences; agree to set up negotiations oversight comm., steering comm. for talks with Syria that will both incl. the PM, FM, DM. Netanyahu also agrees to redesignate all the head of the "Jordan desk" in the PM's office as "staff"; do the same for all geographic desk officers in the PM's office, so there is no overlap with the FMin.; improve coordination btwn. the PM's office, FMin. (MM, NYT 8/19; WJW 8/22; JP 8/31) (see 8/14)

PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) bulldozes 5 Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis, saying the houses were build on government property that will be used for housing projects in the future. Owners of the homes said they received building permits fr. the PA Housing Min. (PR 8/23)

Bread riots continue in Amman, nearby Jordanian villages. In the past 3 days, 300 have been arrested, 40 injured in the countrywide protests. Many of those arrested are mbrs. of leftist political groups, such as the pro-Iraqi Arab Socialist Ba`th party (ASB), Jordan People's Democratic party (JPD), Jordanian Communist party. (RMC 8/18, 8/19 in WNC 8/21; JT, JTV 8/18, al-Ra'i 8/20 in WNC 8/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; MEI 9/6) (see 8/17)

Lebanese parliamentary elections begin with Mount Lebanon district. Hizballah's 1 candidate is defeated, as is influential Greek Orthodox opposition figure Albert Mukheiber. 32 of the 35 seats go to progovernment candidates. There will be voting on 5 consecutive Sundays in separate regions. The last elections, boycotted by Christians, were held in 1992. (VOL 8/18 in WNC 8/21; WT 8/19; RL 8/19 in WNC 8/21; CSM 8/19, 8/20; MM 8/21, 8/28; MEI 9/6; CSM 9/10)

Israel's National Oil Exploration Company announces it has discovered oil in s. Israel, nr. Beersheba. The site, which could produce 600 bpd, is a sign oil could exist in significant quantities in the area. (WJW 8/22; JP 8/24)

In 2d day of bread riots in Jordan, demonstrations spread fr. Karak to Amman, Ma'an, Tafila, where 1,000s of protesters clash violently with police, burn buildings. King Hussein visits Karak, blames Iraq for instigating the protests. Iraq denies the accusation. (JTV, RJ 8/17, MBC 8/18 in WNC 8/21; RMC 8/17, 8/18 in WNC 8/22; NYT, WP, WT 8/18; JT 8/18 in WNC 8/22; CSM, MM 8/19; MEI 9/6)

In Hebron, IDF arrests 19 mbrs. of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) for having knowledge of armed attacks in Israel. (PR 8/23)

In Alexandria, Pres. Mubarak, Kuwaiti heir apparent Shaykh Sa`d Abdullah al-Sabah discuss peace process, implementing decisions taken at Arab Summit 6/22-23. (RE 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

Syrian PM Mahmud al-Zu'bi arrives in Tehran with delegation for 3-days of talks on political, economic, cultural, technical relations with Iranian officials. Syrian, Iranian Trade Ms discuss expanding economic ties. (VIRI 8/17, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/18 in WNC 8/21; IRNA 8/18 in WNC 8/22; Tehran Times 8/18 in WNC 8/29; MM 8/19; CSM 8/23)

Israel fortifies IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon. (RL 8/17 in WNC 8/21)

Worst fighting since 1995 erupts btwn. rival Kurdish factions, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in n. Iraq. At issue are border trade with Turkey (currently worth $250,000/day in tariffs) and informal taxes, which are expected to increase dramatically when the 5/20 UN oil-for-food deal goes into effect in 9/96; control of the provincial administrative center of Irbil, considered the capital of Kurdish Iraq. The PUK accuses the KDP of collaborating with the Saddam Hussein government, initiating clashes. KDP accuses Iran of backing the PUK, starting the fighting. (MM 8/19, 8/20, 8/27)

PM Netanyahu's spokesman Bar Ilan say several alternate proposals for redeployment in Hebron are being considered. (QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/8)

Palestinian arrested 8/2 during protests against Jumayil death is admitted to Nablus hospital, claiming he was also tortured by PA police. (WP, WT 8/10; MEI 8/16; WP 8/20)

IAF hits Hizballah targets nr. Baalbek, Lebanon, in response to Hizballah attacks 8/5+n6. Later in the day, the 1st mtg. of the ILMG is held in Naqura to discuss organizational, administrative issues related to the ILMG's operation. (MM, WT 8/8; IDF Radio 8/8 in FBIS 8/12; NYT 8/9)

PC holds special session. PC Land and Settlement Comm. decides to form district comms. to direct antisettlement actions, confront land confiscations. (QY 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT 8/7; MM 8/8; PR 8/16)

Shas, NRP agree to share religious affairs portfolio, alternate yrs. serving as religious affairs M. (QY 8/6 in FBIS 8/6) (see 7/1)

DFLP, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, PFLP issue joint statement calling on Palestinians to unite, work toward a democratic society, find alternatives to resolving differences by violence. (al-Bilad 8/7 in FBIS 8/9)

Nr. Hebron, Israel bulldozes Palestinian home to make way for bypass road; displaces 14-mbr. family. (PR 8/23)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shells IDF post, killing 1, wounding 2. (IDF Radio 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; MM, WP, WT 8/7)